Record number of people in West Suffolk starting apprenticeships

Mark Beaumont

Skills minister Matthew Hancock has today welcomed statistics that show a record number of people in West Suffolk started apprenticeship in 2011/12.

In the last financial year, 990 people started an apprenticeship in West Suffolk.

It also shows the number of apprenticeship starts in the first quarter of 2012/13 from in April to June – 270 people started apprenticeships.

Mr Hancock, MP for West Suffolk said: “As Minister for Skills I want everyone, especially school leavers, to consider the opportunities an apprenticeship can offer. “The record levels of apprenticeships is fantastic news and it is always satisfying to see the work we are doing across the country producing such encouraging results here in Suffolk.

“When I meet apprentices across the country they never fail to impress me. With the world around us changing, we will only succeed in the global race when everyone is given the chance to reach their full potential.

“By dramatically increasing the number of apprenticeships since 2010 the Government is ensuring that there are more opportunities available for people to get the skills they need to compete, whilst earning a wage and doing a real job.”

Find out about apprenticeship opportunities available through West Suffolk College at an open evening on the Bury St Edmunds campus on Wednesday February 13 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.